Tina Scarpaci
Director / Instructor

Tina grew up dancing and singing in her hometown of Pittsburgh , PA and has performed, instructed and choreographed professionally, throughout the country, for more than 15 years. For 6 years she ran her first very successful dance studio, The Dance Factory of Pittsburgh which went on to win hundreds of awards and produce dozens of dancers who are now performers, teachers and graduates of college dance programs. Marriage, family and career brought Tina and her husband to Chandler , in 1997, where she continued to teach, as well as choreograph and perform with many local Theater companies over the next several years. Finally, Tina realized there was a strong need in the East Valley for a school where students could learn and focus on the techniques that would improve their dance, music and theater skills as well as have more opportunities to perform in events other than the traditional recitals and competitions. As a graduate of the Pittsburgh High School for Creative and Performing Arts, and a Point Park College Dance Major, she is well versed in the type of curriculum required to produce tomorrow's musical theater stars. That is the foundation and mission of the program at Singular Sensation. Tina is proud and thrilled to base the academy in the community she now calls home and hopes to see many more generations of dancers perform and grow as they work to achieve their goals and dreams.

Natalia Magnicaballi
Ballet Instructor

Natalia studied and began her career at the Teatro Colón of Buenos Aires, where she was born, and became a Principal Dancer at Julio Bocca's Ballet Argentino. While with the Company she toured and performed in the most beloved classical titles as well as neoclassical and contemporary pieces in the main houses and arena theatres around five continents. In addition to dancing with Ballet Arizona, Natalia is a Principal Dancer with The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, performing leading roles in Balanchine and Robbins ballets at the Kennedy Center and U.S. tours. Her extensive repertoire includes premieres and special creations for her by choreographers: Jiri Kylian, Mauro Bigonzetti, Mauricio Wainrot, Oscar Araiz, Alberto Méndez, Ana María Stekelman and José Antonio Ruiz, as well as the 2000/01 season for the European company Aterballetto, and works for The Contemporary Ballet of the San Martin Theatre. Natalia has also danced in the most revered international dance festivals and performed at stadiums to audiences of over 100,000.

Kimi Cunningham
Jr. Instructor

Kimi started dancing and tumbling at the age of 3. Over the past 14 years she has studied, competed and assistant taught many varieties of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical. She has also danced in multiple parades and at Six Flags Great America (in Gurnee , Illinois ). Kimi also has a strong background in musical theatre. She has performed in various plays and musicals including Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, Stephanie's Ponytail, Beauty and the Beast, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Grease, and Up the Down Staircase. Over the past 2 years she has received superior ratings at the Central Arizona Acting Festival (CAAF) in the category of musical theatre. Her well-rounded passion for the arts has also included singing in multiple choirs over the past 7 years. She has also sung in many talent shows and events including singing the National Anthem at Hamilton High School 's homecoming football game in September 2005. Kimi hopes to pass on her love of performance onto all the students she instructs.

Nikki Butenschoen
Jr. Instructor

Nikki began gymnastics at the age of 4 and dance at the age of five. She has competed up to Level 8 and trained at level 9. She currently coaches the level 4 gymnasts at a local gym, already helping build the skills of future gymnasts. Additionally she has competed for many years in various dance styles such as tap, jazz, lyrical and hip hop. A truly multi talented performer, Nikki has studied voice since the age of 7 and has performed throughout Phoenix at sporting events and on local television. Continually striving for her personal best, Nikki was undefeated in hurdles on her Jr. High track team, and made the Varsity track team her freshman year in high school, ultimately qualifying for state finals. A member of the Varsity and competitive cheer squads at Chandler High, Nikki is pleased to be a Jr. Instructor at Singular Sensation and hopes to pass on her skills to its students for years to come.